PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu injured a calf before Sunday's divisional playoff victory over San Diego and will work only lightly during the first couple of days of practice for the AFC championship game.

Polamalu wasn't introduced with the rest of the defensive starters, and coach Mike Tomlin wasn't certain if could play until Polamalu ran onto the field for the first defensive series.

Polamalu played the entire game as the Steelers won 35-24, but had no interceptions and was limited to three tackles.

The Steelers did not disclose Polamalu's injury until Tomlin's weekly news conference Tuesday.

"We're at the point of the season where it's about getting ready to play and being at the very best you can be on game day," Tomlin said Tuesday. "If that means sacrificing a little physical preparation for him, we're willing to do that."

Polamalu made the All-Pro team last week and was chosen for his fifth Pro Bowl. He tied for second in the NFL with seven interceptions.

Tomlin also said center Justin Hartwig injured a knee during the second quarter and played with a brace during the second half. Hartwig also is expected to be limited early in the practice week for Sunday night's game against AFC North rival Baltimore.

Really don't like to hear about an injured knee and Hartwig... we need him and Polamalu at 100% for the Ratbirds.

Pi Kapp Steeler

01-14-2009, 11:20 AM

Plleeese dont be anything serious!! Pleeeeaassee

aburdell

01-14-2009, 02:07 PM

Hartwig has a tough job ahead of him facing Ngata with a bad knee. Hopefully he is up to the task.

JoeLion

01-14-2009, 02:42 PM

They will both play. Hartwig had a good game last week. He should be pumped. Polamalu was obviousely not himself last week, look at this week. He may want to make a point regarding the best safety in the NFL:tt03:

OneForTheToe

01-14-2009, 02:55 PM

I am actually a little more concerned about Hartwig. Yes, we need Troy healthy to be a great team. However, we are getting pretty good at playing well even when Troy is not 100%. Hartwig, on the other hand, while in no way the player Troy is, really has no replacement. Sure, Stapleton has played ok at guard since Simmons has went down.

Still, there are two things I have learned from watching Darnell since he was inserted into the line-up. First, he is a decent player who could take Simmons job with little drop-off next season, if the Steelers decide to go that route. Second, however, he is in no way big and powerful enough to handle big defensive ends let alone even bigger and stronger nose tackles.

Be well, Justin.

PalmerSteel

01-15-2009, 08:03 PM

any updates on these guys? they practice today?

stillers4me

01-15-2009, 08:17 PM

Troy practiced.

Preacher

01-15-2009, 08:19 PM

I am actually a little more concerned about Hartwig. Yes, we need Troy healthy to be a great team. However, we are getting pretty good at playing well even when Troy is not 100%. Hartwig, on the other hand, while in no way the player Troy is, really has no replacement. Sure, Stapleton has played ok at guard since Simmons has went down.

Still, there are two things I have learned from watching Darnell since he was inserted into the line-up. First, he is a decent player who could take Simmons job with little drop-off next season, if the Steelers decide to go that route. Second, however, he is in no way big and powerful enough to handle big defensive ends let alone even bigger and stronger nose tackles.

Be well, Justin.

I think Staptleton could handle it. What I DONT want is ANOTHER change on the line this late into the playoffs.